A conference organised by the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Street Pastors is to challenge the Christian community to combat gangs.

The Bite the Bullet conference on July 4 will feature a talk by leading criminologist and youth crime expert Professor John Pitts, who has produced several reports about gangs within the UK.

Professor Pitts is based at the University of Bedfordshire and his research has identified more than 170 gangs in London. He warns that gang members are getting younger and that the rise in gangs is partly fuelled by the drugs trade.

Rev Les Isaacs, founder of Street Pastors commented, “The problem of gangs is a subject the Christian community cannot ignore anymore.

"It’s regularly in the news, and increasingly Street Pastors is having to deal with concerned parents whose children are either in gangs or intimidated by gang members and church leaders, who are having to devise new ways to reach out and disciple the gang members joining their churches.”

Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Racial Justice Co-Ordinator for the Baptist Union of Great Britain, believes Christians who work with young people should attend Bite The Bullet.

“Since the beginning of 2009 several young people in London have lost their lives through both knife crime and gang violence. In order to confront the issue head on, church leaders and youth workers firstly need to understand it," he said.

“The Bite The Bullet conference will place the rise of gangs in Britain within a social context, and in doing so, give those present the information needed on what steps they can take to deal with this menace that is having an adverse effect on our society.”

Alongside Professor Pitts contribution, the Bite the Bullet event will feature a panel discussion featuring members of the criminal justice system, former gang members and leaders of organisations doing vital work in this area.